Arctic sports are an important way for Indigenous peoples from northern regions of Turtle Island to express their culture and identity. These sports are rooted in traditional ways of life in Inuit and Dene communities in the far north, where daily life has long depended on skill, focus, and physical ability.

They are built on the strength, endurance, and balance required for life in the north, and they reflect the challenges and values shaped by that environment.

What makes Arctic sports unique is how deeply they are connected to community participation. They are not only athletic events, but also a way for people to come together, take part in shared traditions, and celebrate practices that have been passed down through generations. In this way, Arctic sports carry both cultural meaning and a strong sense of connection within the community.

Arctic sports include many different events. Common examples are:

• Inuit stick pull
• Scissor broad jump
• Alaskan high kick
• Dene stick pull
• One foot high kick
• Two foot high kick
• Seal hop/knuckle hop

These events reflect the skills, strength, and resilience that are important in northern Indigenous communities. Arctic sports continue to be a meaningful part of cultural expression and community life, helping to keep these traditions active and valued.